| Denver At a Glance Best Time to Go
When you think of Denver, you more than likely think skiing. Ski season runs from
mid-November to mid-April. The city sees a rush of visitors this time of year. However,
when spring appears, skiiers swap their skis for mountain bikes. Outdoor summer sports
activities are a big draw as well. Since there is so much to see and do year-round in
Denver, there is no season that is more busy than another. Anytime is a good time to visit
this Colorado gem.
Average Weather
Colorado weather is famous for its wild fluctuations--during any given season and any
given day. Average high and low temperatures for a month can differ by as much as 30
degrees. But such rapid changes also mean that most weather conditions are only
temporary--snow melts as rapidly as it appears. And thanks to two constants, a low
relative humidity and more than 300 days of sunshine per year (more than Miami Beach or
San Diego), the Denver climate is rendered quite pleasant.
Average Jan High=43, Average Jan Low=16
Average July High=88, Average July Low=59
Transportation
Distance from Denver International Airport to downtown Denver: 24 Miles
Average Cost from DIA to downtown (one way):
Public Bus: $6
Airport Shuttle Van: $17-22
Taxi: $40-50
Luxury Sedan: $65-205
In downtown Denver, free shuttle-bus service operates about every 10 minutes until 11
pm, running the length of the 16th Street Mall and stopping at two-block intervals. If you
plan to spend much time outside downtown, a car is advised, although Denver has one of the
best city bus systems in the country and taxis are available. Even downtown, parking spots
are usually easy to find; try to avoid driving in the area during rush hour, when traffic
gets heavy.
In-Season Costs
If you're hitting Denver during ski season, be prepared to pay a little extra - especially
at the area resorts. Denver is not a high-priced city though. Travelers visiting on a
budget will be able to do so without sacrificing comfort.
Day Trips
Boulder: Less than an hour from just about anywhere in Denver, this vibrant college town
is set against the striking backdrop of the Flatiron Mountain range. Visitors can take in
an athletic event on the University of Colorado campus, stroll outdoors along the popular
Pearl Street Mall, or mountain bike on one of the many paths surrounding the town.
- Central City/Back Hawk: At the beginning of the 1990s, these two old mining towns were
sleepy historical monuments to an earlier time of prosperity. But when limited stakes
casino gambling was legalized for the area in 1991, the towns experiences a second
boom--this time of slot machines and card tables. Located approximately 35 miles west of
Denver, this modern marvel can be reached by car or by one of the many casino shuttles
that make the trip from Denver each day.
- Mount Evans: Boasting the highest paved auto road in North America, this 14,260 foot
mountain offers a breathtaking view of the entire Front Range. The road is covered with
snow for much of the year, and can be scaled only from June through Labor Day. The peak is
60 miles from Denver.
Pikes Peak/Colorado Springs: Approximately 60 miles south of
Denver, this area is home to several attractions, including the Air Force Academy, a US
Olympic Training Center, 14,000 foot high Pikes Peak and the spectacular Garden of the
Gods.
- Rocky Mountain National Park: With over 260,000 acres of land encompassing 355 miles of
trails, 150 lakes, five campgrounds and enough unspoiled beauty to last a lifetime, Rocky
Mountain National Park is a nature lover's favorite. Located 70 miles northwest of Denver,
this trip can be done in a day or made to last a week.
- Vail: Just under a hundred miles west of Denver, this famous resort town has year-round
appeal. Winter offers the expected array of alpine activities--skiing, snowshoeing and
snowmobiling. But golfers, mountain-bikers, and nature enthusiasts will also enjoy Vail's
abundance of summertime recreation.
|
